Quebec extends moratorium on new UV disinfection installations

MONTREAL, QUE-The Quebec government has decided to extend its moratorium on the installation of tertiary wastewater treatment systems using ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Line Beauchamp said recently. The moratorium, which expired on June 30, has been extended to January 30, 2008. The Minister said the decision will allow the government to put in place a regulatory framework governing the use of these systems. Extending the moratorium responds to concerns expressed by municipalities and a number of environmental groups about the maintenance of UV disinfection systems and their use in residential developments.